Next Philippine Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
President Benigno S. Aquino III challenged the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to continue the former’s reformist path beyond his six-year term, which ends in 2016.
Although he did not mention them by name, the President, in his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered Monday before the joint session of the 15th Congress, cited the charges filed against his predecessor Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the conviction of former Chief Justice Renato Corona as examples of once unthinkable reforms that happened during his administration.
“Katarungan ang tawag sa plunder case na isinampa laban sa dating pangulo. Katarungan ang nasaksihan natin noong ika-dalawampu’t siyam ng Mayo,” the President added.
He cited the Senate impeachment court’s conviction of Corona for culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust.
“Noong araw na iyon, pinatunayan natin: Posibleng mangibabaw ang katarungan kahit na ang kabangga mo ay may mataas na katungkulan,” he said.
“Kaya po sa susunod na magiging Punong Mahistrado, malaki ang inaasahan sa inyo ng sambayanan,” he stressed.
The Judicial and Bar Council will start interviewing the nominees for the post vacated by Corona on Tuesday.
The President added he would not forget the past and would continue to seek justice for previous transgressions.
“Hindi ko po matatanggap ito. Forgive and forget na lang ang sampung taon na nawala sa atin?” he asked.
What is your reaction?